Cellular Natural Selection

Which processes in the human body depend on natural selection among cells?

Natural selection among cells plays a crucial role in various processes in the human body. Here are a few examples:

1. Immune response: When the body is invaded by pathogens such as bacteria or viruses, the immune system initiates a response to kill or neutralize them. This response heavily depends on the natural selection of cells. Immune cells, like B and T lymphocytes, have specific receptors on their surface that can recognize and bind to specific antigens on pathogens. During an infection, only those lymphocytes that have the right receptors to bind to the invading pathogen will be activated and proliferate, while others will be eliminated. This process, called clonal selection, ensures that the immune system produces cells that are most effective in responding to and eliminating the specific pathogen.

2. Tumor suppression: Cells in our body undergo constant surveillance to prevent the development of <a href="https://www.<a href="https://www.<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank”>cancer.gov/about-<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer/understanding/what-is-<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer” target=”_blank”><a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer.gov/about-<a href="https://www.<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank”>cancer.gov/about-<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer/understanding/what-is-<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”><a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer/understanding/what-is-<a href="https://www.<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank”>cancer.gov/about-<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer/understanding/what-is-<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”><a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”><a href="https://www.<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank”>cancer.gov/about-<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer/understanding/what-is-<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”><a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancerous cells. Natural selection is involved in this process as well. Normally, our cells have mechanisms that detect and eliminate cells with mutations that could lead to uncontrolled growth. For instance, certain cells, called natural killer cells, can recognize and destroy <a href="https://www.<a href="https://www.<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank”>cancer.gov/about-<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer/understanding/what-is-<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer” target=”_blank”><a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer.gov/about-<a href="https://www.<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank”>cancer.gov/about-<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer/understanding/what-is-<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”><a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer/understanding/what-is-<a href="https://www.<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank”>cancer.gov/about-<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer/understanding/what-is-<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”><a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”><a href="https://www.<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank”>cancer.gov/about-<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer/understanding/what-is-<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”><a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer cells by their altered surface proteins. Moreover, the DNA repair mechanisms within cells are also engaged in selecting and repairing mutations, preventing the propagation of faulty cells.

3. Reproductive fitness: The selection of certain cells is critical for the successful reproduction of an individual. For example, during spermatogenesis (the production of sperm) and oogenesis (the production of eggs), natural selection occurs at various stages to ensure that only the healthiest and most viable sperm and eggs are formed. This selection process aims to promote genetic diversity and increase the chances of offspring survival.

4. Neural development and synaptic pruning: During brain development, there is an excessive production of neurons and synaptic connections. However, as the brain matures, natural selection among these neurons occurs, leading to a process called synaptic pruning. Here, the connections that are frequently used are strengthened and maintained, while the connections that are rarely used are weakened or eliminated. This selection helps refine the neural circuitry, allowing for more efficient and effective brain function.

These are just a few examples of how natural selection among cells impacts various processes in the human body. Overall, the mechanism of natural selection ensures that the most advantageous traits and functions are favored, leading to adaptation and survival.

More Answers: